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Attikus stepped in front of me, creating a protective barrier between me and Madeline. “Things aren’t always what they seem. You, of all people, should know this.”

Blood continued to leak from the wound, but Madeline didn’t seem to be affected by it like I had hoped. Perhaps her multiple surgeries and access to illegal drugs had messed up her body.

“Ashton, I can’t breathe . . .” President Collins looked at his wife for help.

“You fucker!” She gathered her strength and lunged after me, but Attikus kicked her. She fell against the table but regained her composure.

“The berries are delicious, aren’t they?” I smirked. “The deadly nightshade is toxic—just like you.”

“You fucking bitch!” she exclaimed, her fists clenched.

A loud boom sounded from the door. I glanced toward it, looking worried.

“That’s The Trogyn empire collapsing.” Attikus said. “You should watch the videos of your family’s businesses being destroyed. The high definition and audio effects are fantastic.”

Happy tears streamed down my face as I stared at my love. God had heard my prayer. But now I had to deal with how Attikus had kept me in the dark about his plan.

I glanced at my friends, who looked equally shocked.

Attikus met my eyes. Love and so much more swam in them.

Oh, I have questions for you,Whistler.

“You good?” Remi asked Attikus, holding Audri’s hand.

Attikus nodded. “Thank you.”

My friends exited through a hidden door that blended in with the wall.

The only people left were Attikus, Madeline, her husband, and me. Drool slid down the side of the President’s mouth.

Attikus walked up to me with his cane. “I missed you.”

I’d missed him too, but I couldn’t say it right now. The past three days had been hell, thinking he was dead.

“I’m going to kill you both!” Madeline charged at us.

Attikus stepped in front of me, drew a sword from his cane, and slashed off Madeline’s right arm. It thudded to the floor.

“That’s for charging at my wife.” He seethed. “This is for my father.” Attikus stabbed Madeline in the gut, and she wailed. “This is for my mother.” He pierced one thigh, and blood gushed out. “And this is for my sister.” He plunged the sword into the other thigh and yanked it out.

My body jerked as I watched Attikus unleash his rage. Cries of pain filled the room. I should feel bad for Madeline, but then I thought about all those lives she had ruined.

“This is for me.” Attikus stabbed Madeline’s wrist, knee, and ankle. Blood splattered all over the floor.

When he lowered his sword, I saw the names of his mother, father, and sister engraved on the blade. Now I understood why he always carried that cane.

“How does it feel to live with an injury that I caused?” Attikus tapped Madeline’s left shoulder with his sword.

Madeline flared her nostrils, wanting to hurt Attikus, but was in no condition to do so.

“I read your medical files from Brigham and Women’s Hospital.” He smiled. “Your injured shoulder can’t be repaired. Youcan’tescape me.” He glared at her. “Why did you become a woman?”

Heaving, Madeline glowered. “So you wouldn’t find me . . . fucker.”

A smirk slid onto Attikus’s face. “You were that scared of me?”

“Jack.” Her eyes glazed as she looked at Attikus. The hallucination had begun. “Take us home. Don’t let Attikus find us.”